A Modern Translation
Here follows the Counsel of Chaucer concerning Marriage, which was sent to Bukton.
My master Bukton,* when it was demanded of Christ our Lord, what is truth or truthfulness, he answered not a word to that question; just as one might say, “No man is entirely true,” I believe. Therefore, though I promised to describe the sorrow and woe that is in wedlock, I dare not write no evil of it, lest I fall myself into such folly again.
I will not say how it is Satan’s chain, on which he always gnaws, but I dare to say that, were he out of his torment, he would never again willingly be bound. But that feeble-minded fool who had rather be chained again than crawl out of prison, may God let him never part from his woe, and may no man bewail his case, even though he may weep!
But still, lest you do worse, take a wife. It is better to wed than to burn in a worse manner. But all your days you shall have sorrow upon your flesh and be your wife’s slave, as wise ones say. And if the Holy Bible is not enough proof, perhaps experience shall teach you that it would be better to be taken prisoner in Frisia* than again to fall into that trap of marriage.
Envoy
This little writing, proverb, or allegory, I send you; heed it, I counsel you. He is unwise who cannot bear prosperity. If you are safe, put not yourself in jeopardy. I pray you read the Wife of Bath* on this matter that we have in hand. May God grant you your life to lead in freedom, for it is so hard to be enslaved.
Explicit
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1 Bukton. The identity of Bukton (or Buckton, or Boughton) is still unclear. It may be Sir Peter Bukton of Yorkshire (1350 – 1414), steward to the future Henry IV, or Sir Robert Bukton (dates uncertain), who was a squire to Queen Anne and later to Richard II.
2 Frisia. In the southeastern North sea, north of the Netherlands and Germany. Also called Friesland.
3 Wife of Bath. One of the pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales: she is an advocate for worldly love and marriage. Her tale is layered with irony, as is this poem to Bukton.
Translated and Edited by Gerard NeCastro
© Copyright, 2007, All Rights Reserved
Citation. Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Envoy of Chaucer to Bukton. NeCastro, Gerard, ed. and trans. eChaucer: https://www.echaucer.com. [Site Visit Date.]
